The prophet’s theme now changes abruptly, for in 4:2–6 Isaiah speaks about the new messianic era. While human pride is gone, there is a future for the remnant who have humbled themselves in the presence of the Lord. Isaiah develops the theme of the messianic kingdom, begun in 2:1–5, by speaking about the people as “the Branch of the Lord.” This “Branch” is not the branch of a tree but a new shoot out of the ground; it refers to the survivors of the day of judgment. …